Dominic Nuciforo grew up in Albany, NY, and earned an Associate in Applied Science degree at Hudson Valley Community College. In 1971 he received his B.A. degree in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Reading from Murray State University in Kentucky. Nick moved to Wolcott, NY, in 1972, and earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Instructional Administration from SUNY Oswego. He served as associate, primary school and elementary school principal from 1984 to 1996, when he was appointed Superintendent of Schools for Sidney, where he served for ten years. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Theory and Practice from Binghamton University in 2007.
As superintendent, Dr. Nuciforo added Project Lead the Way to the school curriculum. This pre-engineering program was one of the first STEM programs developed for high schools in New York State. He also instituted the Superintendent's Leadership Award Program, which recognized at their graduation any student who had held a leadership position for one full year in a non-exclusionary school-sponsored club. He also created the Superintendent's High Honors Award - special medallions worn at graduation by all students with a cumulative average of 95% or greater.
Encompassing the entire spectrum of student ability, Nick provided academic support for academically at-risk high school students by initiating an extended day program, which gave students extra time to complete their high school requirements, or to participate in a GED program. He also tutored students one-on-one, and mentored those students who were chronically truant or in detention. Nick also created the Alternative Graduation Ceremony, whereby students who completed their graduation requirements in August or January had a graduation ceremony in those months, recognizing their achievements in a timely fashion.
Dr. Nuciforo planned and implemented the largest building project in Sidney's history, including the construction of a new transportation center, improved athletic fields, a gym and pool, and new classrooms in the elementary and high school. The old gymnasium was converted into a modern library/media center. He also donated school space as shelter, and cooked for the displaced citizens during the 2006 flood, which occurred during his last week as Superintendent.
Outside of school, Nick was active in the Rotary Club and served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, which formed the Arts and Music Festival -- still an annual summer highlight. He directed the creation of the School and Business Partnership, developed to provide community support for education, in addition to other programs designed to promote opportunities in community service and career preparation.
After retiring, Nick moved to Florida, where he teaches at the University of Central Florida, works with eighth graders to hone their writing skills, and serves on the Orlando Diocese Office of Catholic Schools Professional Development Team.